FROM THE ARTICLE:

Laurentius

Nestled between the "Best Water Ice" in Philadelphia and the "Best Italian Sausage" now stands the next Best thing to happen to our fair city - Laurentius Salon.

Stylist to the stars, Laurentius Purnama, is not new to Philadelphia or to Philadelphia's best tressed, but his namesake salon is - for now anyway. Just opened on November 20th, this modern gem in the heart of the Italian Market has been bustling since day one!

While known for his accomplishments in transforming the locks of the celebrity set outside of our region - including Miss USA 2007 Rachel Smith, Miss USA 2006 Tara Connor, actress Maggie Gyllenhal and well know for previously working with Britney Spears on many magazine shoots and live appearances - Laurentius believes that "everyone can be beautiful." An his work speaks for itself. "The fact that I am involved with freelancing in New York keeps me up to date with all the latest trends" he says.

If the latest trends seem a little too much for your life as a corporate attorney or stay at home mom, fret not. Laurentius styles not just for your face and your hair texture, but also for your life. That includes customizing the right hair color for you, as well - including highlights of three shades of some to make sure the hair is multidimentional and the color natural looking. Expecting a baby and worried whether or not you should color your hair during pregnancy? Laurentius is on top of it all.

With every chair filled, this unassuming, creative genius - and, by the way, very sweet man - moves from client to client talking to them about what is going on in their lives, introducing clients to each other and telling what they have in common, ensuring each client's color is just right, checking that each is relaxed with a cup of coffee, glass of water or glass of wine. Cookies are offered and from nearby Isgro's Pastries too, another "Best" in Philadelphia. In short the experience as a client here is, well, heaven.

In fact the all white, sleek, modern, décor is so bright and clean you truly do feel like you have been transported to another place. And lest we forget, this salon isn't just about your hair!

Trot on upstairs to another level in heaven and take a seat in the pedicure chair while yet another "Best" in Philadelphia, Robin Campbell, tends to your toes. For more than 25 years Robin has been fixing the hands and feet of ladies and gents in town (calluses begone!) and providing them with perfectly polished fingers and toes. When asked about the best polishes to use, Robin explains "everyone's body chemistry is different, and so is every brand of polish. You can't say one is better than another because our bodies react to each individually." Thrilled to be working with Laurentius, Robin can't say enough about the man and his creativity. A little secret - he can't say enough about Robin and her talents either!

All this is just the begining. Laurentius has been lining up some of the best stylists to be found around town for his team, and remember, it's been less than a month since the salon opened.

So if you are in the market (Italian or figuratively speaking) for a new look Laurentius Salon is not to be missed. Formal event on the horizon? Wedding coming up? Laurentius and his team of stylists' services also extend to amazing blow outs, updo's and nails.

Oh, and did I mention the free parking? That's right - Laurentius Salon has reserved complimentary parking spaces for clients in a lot directly across the street from the salon.

I'm not sure it would be fair to ask for anything more.